Norwich City vs Southampton — Match Preview
A televised lunchtime kickoff at Carrow Road sees two former Premier League regulars battling at opposite ends of the table on Saturday, 13 December 2025. Norwich City are in deep trouble, sitting 23rd in the relegation zone with just 14 points and struggling to find wins. Southampton, currently 8th with 30 points, are pushing hard for the playoff spots and arrive in Norfolk in excellent form, having won four of their last five matches.
Norwich City vs Southampton — Match Info
- Competition: EFL Championship (Matchday 21)
- Venue: Carrow Road, Norwich (Capacity: 27,150)
- Date: Saturday, 13 December 2025
- Kickoff: 12:30 GMT | 13:30 CET | 07:30 ET
- Referee: James Bell (ENG)
Norwich City vs Southampton — Match Stakes
Norwich City (23rd — 14 pts):
- Win → Moves to 17 pts; could potentially climb out of the bottom three
- Draw → Stops the rot, but likely keeps them in the relegation zone
- Loss → Disaster; gap to safety widens and pressure on the manager reaches boiling point
Southampton (8th — 30 pts):
- Win → Moves to 33 pts; closes the gap on the top 6 playoff spots
- Draw → Keeps the unbeaten run going but viewed as two points dropped
- Loss → Momentum halt; allows rivals like West Brom and Leeds to pull away
Norwich City vs Southampton — Team News
Norwich City:
- Cordoba J. — Out (Muscle Injury)
- Crnac A. — Out (Knee Injury)
- Gibbs L. — Out (Hamstring Injury)
- Sargent J. — Questionable (Knock – Major doubt)
- Schlupp J. — Questionable (Hamstring – Late fitness test)
Southampton:
- Stewart R. — Out (Hamstring Injury)
- Charles S. — Out (Hamstring Injury)
- Edozie S. — Out (Hamstring Injury)
- Jelert E. — Out (Injury)
- Roerslev M. — Questionable (Injury)
Norwich City vs Southampton — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Norwich City
- 10/12 — 1–1 vs Sheffield Utd (Championship)
- 06/12 — 2–3 vs Watford (Championship)
- 29/11 — 3–1 vs QPR (Championship)
- 26/11 — 1–1 vs Oxford Utd (Championship)
- 22/11 — 1–4 vs Birmingham (Championship)
Southampton
- 10/12 — 3–2 vs West Brom (Championship)
- 06/12 — 3–1 vs Birmingham (Championship)
- 29/11 — 2–3 vs Millwall (Championship)
- 26/11 — 3–0 vs Leicester (Championship)
- 22/11 — 5–1 vs Charlton (Championship)
Norwich City vs Southampton — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 27/08/2025 — Norwich 0–3 Southampton (EFL Cup)
- 01/01/2024 — Norwich 1–1 Southampton (Championship)
- 12/08/2023 — Southampton 4–4 Norwich (Championship)
- 26/02/2022 — Southampton 2–0 Norwich (Premier League)
- 20/11/2021 — Norwich 2–1 Southampton (Premier League)
Norwich City vs Southampton — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Norwich City (4-2-3-1)
Gunn; Fisher, Duffy, Doyle, Chrisene; Nunez, McLean; Sainz, Schwartau, Rowe; Marcondes (if Sargent out)
Southampton (4-3-3)
Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Manning; Downes, Smallbone, Aribo; Armstrong, Archer, Fraser
Norwich City vs Southampton — Impact Bench
Norwich City: Barnes (Experience/Physicality), Fassnacht (Goal threat)
Southampton: Brereton Diaz (Direct running), Lallana (Control/Composure)
Norwich City vs Southampton — Tactical Analysis
Norwich City
Norwich’s defense is leaking goals at an alarming rate (-11 Goal Difference). They struggle against pace in transition, often leaving gaps between the full-backs and center-backs. If Josh Sargent is missing, they lose their main focal point, forcing them to rely on Borja Sainz’s individual brilliance from the wing.
Southampton
Russell Martin’s side is the league’s top scoring machine right now (14 goals in last 5 games). They dominate possession and look to overload the midfield. Adam Armstrong is in red-hot form, finding space in the box at will. Their weakness remains defending counter-attacks, but they usually simply outscore the opposition.
Norwich City vs Southampton — Key Battles
- Duffy vs Archer — veteran defender vs pacy striker
- Nunez vs Downes — battle for midfield control
- Sainz vs Walker-Peters — Norwich’s best attacker vs Saints’ best defender
- Gunn vs Armstrong — goalkeeper needs a big performance
Norwich City vs Southampton — Spotlight Players
Norwich City — Borja Sainz
With Sargent doubtful, Sainz carries the team’s attacking hopes. His dribbling and long-range shooting are the only things keeping Norwich competitive in recent weeks.
Southampton — Adam Armstrong
The striker scored a brace in midweek against West Brom and loves playing at this level. His movement in the box is elite for the Championship, and Norwich’s shaky defense is the perfect matchup for him.
Norwich City vs Southampton — Prediction
Norwich City 1–3 Southampton
Norwich are fragile at the back and facing the most potent attack in the league currently. Southampton have already won 3–0 here in the Cup this season. Expect a similar outcome with the Saints dominating possession and creating plenty of chances.
Norwich City vs Southampton — Betting Insights
- Southampton to Win — High Value
- Over 2.5 Goals — Likely (Saints score and concede)
- Adam Armstrong to Score — Yes
Norwich City vs Southampton — Where to Watch
- UK: Sky Sports Football / Main Event
- USA: CBS Sports Network / Paramount+
- International: ESPN+ (Select Regions)
Norwich City vs Southampton — FAQs
Q: When is the Norwich vs Southampton match?
A: The match kicks off on Saturday, 13 December 2025, at 12:30 GMT.
Q: Is Josh Sargent playing for Norwich?
A: He is listed as questionable. A late fitness test will determine his availability.
Q: Who is the favorite?
A: Southampton are clear favorites given their 8th place standing and recent form compared to Norwich’s 23rd.
Q: Can I watch the match in the UK?
A: Yes, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football.
Call to Action — SportsphereArena Community
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